 |
 |
 |
| |
Gas
| What is Gas |
Find out more |
Air that accumulates in the digestive tract has two ways to get
out: belching and expulsion from the other end, officially known
as flatulence. |
|
| How bad is it? |
Find out more |
Increased gas production may signal a slowing down of intestines
for a number of reasons. If it is serious enough, a medical evaluation
is in order. |
|
| There are two sources of intestinal gas: |
Find out more |
- Some is swallowed. Carbonated drinks and foods like whipped cream
and angel food cake contain excess gas. Many people actually swallow
air when they are eating, causing bloating. Some people breathe
incorrectly, swallowing air as they gasp or sigh.
- Bacteria in the bowel generate the rest, forming several gases
that smell bad. Certain foods like beans and cabbages promote gas
formation. Fruits, milk, onions, asparagus, and wheat produce gas
in some people. A common parasitic infection of the bowel called
Giardia can cause excessive gas. Lower-end gas is called flatus.
|
|
| How can a person know that he has it? |
Find out more |
There is nothing to be worried about it if it doesn't bother a person
or those close to him. |
|
| What can people do about it? |
Find out more |
- Carbonated drinks should be avoided
- Should eat fewer whipped foods, beans and cabbages, and be aware
of other foods that seem to promote gas
- Should be aware of the breathing patterns to discover if people
are swallowing air when they sigh, gasp, or breathe heavily
- Should try using simethicone, an over-the-counter agent that helps
gas exit the stomach upward instead of downward
- Physicians have other ways to treat recalcitrant gas. An evaluation
may also reveal a more significant cause such as a medication, heart
disease, or liver disease
|
|
| Points to remember |
Find out more |
- Gas may be a symptom of a significant disease, but it is usually
harmless
- Diet and breathing patterns cause most gas problems
- Simple diet changes or over-the-counter medications usually
solve the problem
- Should always check with a physician if significant symptoms
persist or intensify
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|